A Level Psychology OCR Practice Exam

What experimental method did Chaney et al (2004) use for their study?

1. Laboratory experiment

2. Field experiment

3. Case study

4. Survey

The correct answer is: Field experiment

Chaney et al. (2004) conducted their study using a field experiment, which is a research method that takes place in a naturalistic setting rather than in a controlled laboratory environment. This approach allowed the researchers to observe the impact of an intervention in a real-world context, specifically examining how a positive reinforcement system (the Funhaler) influenced children's adherence to asthma medication. The use of a field experiment is particularly beneficial in this study as it captures authentic behaviors and responses from participants in their everyday lives, without the artificial constraints often present in laboratory settings. This method enhances the ecological validity of the findings, making them more applicable to real life. In contrast, a laboratory experiment typically involves tightly controlled conditions that may not accurately reflect how participants would behave in their natural environments. A case study would focus on an in-depth investigation of a single individual or group, which would not align with the broader observations made in Chaney et al.'s study. Lastly, a survey involves collecting self-reported data, which would not apply in the same way as the direct observations made in a field experiment.